After the X3 M40i, I thought I'd test drive the A35 AMG, with the option of buying the Saloon version. I test drove the hatch.
First impressions sat inside. Quite impressed with the tech, and liked the feel of the seats and steering wheel. I'd requested an extended drive, so was a bit miffed when the salesman said he's take me out on their route, so I could have a go. We were out for 15-20 minutes, which is no time to asses a car when you're looking at £40k+. But from that test drive it all felt ok.
Luckily back at the dealership after chatting for a bit, he asked if I still wanted that extended test drive. Yes please.
So .......... after driving on various types of roads, what was my verdict? No `that` impressed. In comfort mode, it rode very hard. Too hard to be considered `comfort`. Sports stiffened it up more, and made the gearbox more hyperactive. Sport+ was just not for me. Holding onto gears for dear life, just like Audi's DSG in sport mode. There were pops of the gearshift and overrun, which I'm not a great fan of, but it's the fashion these days.
There was a lot of tyre noise, which on a motorway cruise could become tiresome, and for an upgraded sound system, I wasn't impressed. But to be fair, I didn't play around with the settings.
The headup display was great at first, but got in the way as well. But you can turn it off. I just didn't know how to. The gearbox was frustrating at times. Too eager to kick down. Lots of noise but nothing much happened till the gearbox swapped cogs about, then BAM !!! off it would go. But as it selected a gear too low, it would immediately need to up-shift.
Where it did come good and impressed was over back roads. Select the chassis to `comfort` which while too stiff more normal driving, was better attacking back roads. Gearbox to manual only, and engine to sport +. As the paddles behind the steering wheel, were nice and big and just at your fingertips, they were a joy to use (Something I've never said about Audi's paddles) and driven this way, the car was really good fun. Engine responsive, paddles changing gears, and the head-up display playing it's part for revs and speed. As my S3 is a manual, this A35 AMG would cover ground way quicker from A to B. I wouldn't say it was more fun that using a manual on the same roads, but as it was, I `could` see the point of paddles.
The engine felt strong, but I think the S3 feels more Torquey. But don't get me wrong. The A35 AMG is one hell of a quick car. I don't see the point is buying the A45 S AMG. Yeah, it'll be quicker still. But more bragging rights than anything else.
So overall, what were my lasting impressions. More so after getting back into my S3. Well, the dashboard which was initially impressive, I still prefer the old school dash of the S3. But I could live with the mercs interior. But it did feel cheaper than the Audis. Seats were nice, but you can't option the bucket seats which look far better. The ride quality was the biggest problem though. In it's softest setting, it's just too damn stiff. I don't think the missus or the dog would like it. The dealer did say that Mercedes has changed the setting on the newer cars fitted with adjustable dampers, so comfort is more softer. But i'd need to drive one to asses.
Would I walk back into the Mercedes dealership and order a new A35 AMG saloon? On yesterdays test drive, I don't think I would. The drive back home in my S3 felt so much nicer to drive. Plus, the X3 M40i felt a better car to drive and sit in, than the A35 AMG did. But it is a more expensive car.
First impressions sat inside. Quite impressed with the tech, and liked the feel of the seats and steering wheel. I'd requested an extended drive, so was a bit miffed when the salesman said he's take me out on their route, so I could have a go. We were out for 15-20 minutes, which is no time to asses a car when you're looking at £40k+. But from that test drive it all felt ok.
Luckily back at the dealership after chatting for a bit, he asked if I still wanted that extended test drive. Yes please.
So .......... after driving on various types of roads, what was my verdict? No `that` impressed. In comfort mode, it rode very hard. Too hard to be considered `comfort`. Sports stiffened it up more, and made the gearbox more hyperactive. Sport+ was just not for me. Holding onto gears for dear life, just like Audi's DSG in sport mode. There were pops of the gearshift and overrun, which I'm not a great fan of, but it's the fashion these days.
There was a lot of tyre noise, which on a motorway cruise could become tiresome, and for an upgraded sound system, I wasn't impressed. But to be fair, I didn't play around with the settings.
The headup display was great at first, but got in the way as well. But you can turn it off. I just didn't know how to. The gearbox was frustrating at times. Too eager to kick down. Lots of noise but nothing much happened till the gearbox swapped cogs about, then BAM !!! off it would go. But as it selected a gear too low, it would immediately need to up-shift.
Where it did come good and impressed was over back roads. Select the chassis to `comfort` which while too stiff more normal driving, was better attacking back roads. Gearbox to manual only, and engine to sport +. As the paddles behind the steering wheel, were nice and big and just at your fingertips, they were a joy to use (Something I've never said about Audi's paddles) and driven this way, the car was really good fun. Engine responsive, paddles changing gears, and the head-up display playing it's part for revs and speed. As my S3 is a manual, this A35 AMG would cover ground way quicker from A to B. I wouldn't say it was more fun that using a manual on the same roads, but as it was, I `could` see the point of paddles.
The engine felt strong, but I think the S3 feels more Torquey. But don't get me wrong. The A35 AMG is one hell of a quick car. I don't see the point is buying the A45 S AMG. Yeah, it'll be quicker still. But more bragging rights than anything else.
So overall, what were my lasting impressions. More so after getting back into my S3. Well, the dashboard which was initially impressive, I still prefer the old school dash of the S3. But I could live with the mercs interior. But it did feel cheaper than the Audis. Seats were nice, but you can't option the bucket seats which look far better. The ride quality was the biggest problem though. In it's softest setting, it's just too damn stiff. I don't think the missus or the dog would like it. The dealer did say that Mercedes has changed the setting on the newer cars fitted with adjustable dampers, so comfort is more softer. But i'd need to drive one to asses.
Would I walk back into the Mercedes dealership and order a new A35 AMG saloon? On yesterdays test drive, I don't think I would. The drive back home in my S3 felt so much nicer to drive. Plus, the X3 M40i felt a better car to drive and sit in, than the A35 AMG did. But it is a more expensive car.
All well made and balanced points. I contemplated testing the GLC43 alongside the M40i, bit for me just too “ plasticky” in too many places
